Referendum to protect RI farmland approved

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island will borrow $2.5 million to preserve farmland from development under a referendum approved by state voters.

The referendum approved during Tuesday's election permits Rhode Island to raise the necessary money by issuing bonds. When interest costs are included, the total cost could reach $4.4 million.

The money will be used to buy the development rights to farmland. Under the program, farm owners who sell their development rights can continue raising livestock and growing crops. But they cannot sell their land to developers.

State officials said some money could be used to buy other land, such as forests, if it becomes available. If Rhode Island commits $2.5 million to the preservation effort, the federal government and private donors are expected to add millions more.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.